约克：历史悠久，多元文化之城

York is often referred to as the capital city of the north of England.Until the industrial revolution York was second in size of population and im portance to London.Largely bypassed by the industrial revolution York has retained the links with its medieval past more than most places in England.One of the most historic cities in Britain，York has 2,000 years of history，which it unfolds for you in its streets，buildings and museums.York is a city where sightseeing is easy，most of the attractions lie within the city walls，the area is compact，yet nowhere else can you find so much history，a variety of architecture and heritage sites，so easily accessible.

约克常常被称作英格兰北部首府。直到工业革命时，约克在人口数量和重要性上都仅次于伦敦。由于基本上没有受到工业革命的影响，约克与英格兰大多数地方相比，与中世纪历史保持着更为密切的联系。有着2 000年历史的约克，是英国最具历史意义的城市之一。街道、建筑和博物馆里到处都可追寻到它的历史踪迹。在约克游览非常便利，大多数景点都位于城墙之内，且布局十分紧凑，风格多样的建筑和历史遗迹随处可见，没有哪个地方能找到比该地更多的古迹了。

The famous Ninth Roman Legion settled in the area in 71 A.D.，making it the capital of the Roman Empire's northern territories.The fort became an important military and trading base.In 306 Constantine the Great was proclaimed emperor，the first Christian，and only emperor proclaimed in Britain.

71年，著名的罗马第九军团曾驻扎于约克地区，把它作为罗马帝国北部领地的首府。城堡便成了一个重要的军事和贸易基地。306年，君士坦丁大帝称帝，他是第一个尊崇基督教的罗马皇帝，也是唯一一个在英国称帝的外国君主。

The Vikings captured the town in 866，and renamed it Jorvik，from which the name of York is derived.Although the Viking occupation of the city lasted less than a century their influence still remains in many of the street names.

866年，维京人占领了该城，并重新命名为约维克，约克一名由其演变而来。虽然维京人占领该城不到一个世纪，但其影响却留存至今，从该城众多街道的命名便可知晓。

The thirteenth century saw the building of York Minster and the city walls.During the Middle Ages，York became the commercial capital of the north of England，its prosperity coming from the wool weaving and cloth trade，as well as its importance as an international port.The Plantagenet Kings favored York，and it was Edward Ⅲ who first bestowed the title Duke of York on his son.A title which has been given to the second son of the monarch ever since.As the religious capital of the north，York had many ofits religious houses and churches destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries in Henry Ⅷ's reign，but York continued strong in its support of the Catholic cause.

13世纪，约克大教堂和城墙建成。中世纪时期，约克成了英格兰北部商业重镇，不仅是重要的国际港口，还是羊毛纺织和布匹贸易基地，因此该地得以繁荣发展。金雀花王朝的国王尤其喜欢约克，爱德华三世是首位将约克公爵封号赐给儿子的人。自此约克公爵便成为了君主次子的封号。约克是北方宗教之都，亨利八世统治时期解散了这里的许多修道院，许多宗教建筑和教堂被毁。但由于约克支持天主教事业而得以继续发展壮大。

The M edieval City Walls of York are almost three miles long and beautifully preserved.They have four gates or bars，the original gates to the city，today two of the gates house interesting museums.You can walk the entire length of the walls，which are open to the public daily.

约克城的中世纪城墙差不多有3英里长，至今仍保存完好。城墙上有4个大门，或称为栅栏（原来的城门）。两个大门现在被建成了有趣的博物馆。如今城墙每天都对公众开放，人们可以漫步游览整座城墙。

York has many wonderful attractions for you to discover，and for most visitors to the city the first and most important is the 800 years old York Minster—York Minster is the largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe.Climb the central tower for excellent views of the city.The Foundations Museum shows how the Minster was constructed on the site of a Norman Church.Clifford's Tower is another landmark in the city，where there was the medieval castle built by Henry Ⅲ.(www.xing528.com)

约克有许多美景等你去发现。对大多数游客而言，首先要参观的当属有着800年历史的约克大教堂。该教堂是北欧最大的哥特式大教堂。登上中央塔楼可以俯瞰全城美景。基金会博物馆展示了约克大教堂从一个诺曼教堂遗址上建立起来的过程。克利福德塔是约克城的另一个地标建筑，在此地有亨利三世建立的中世纪城堡。

The Castle Museum features Victorian and Edwardian streets full of shops，the prison cell of highwayman Dick Turpin and a new exhibition entitled From Cradle to Grave，which looks at the rites and ceremonies of all aspects oflife in York.Treasurer's House is an elegant town house，originally the home of the Treasurers of York Minster，from the impressive medieval Hall to the newly restored period kitchen.

约克城堡博物馆特色鲜明，在这里你可以看到维多利亚时代和爱德华时代商铺林立的街道、关押拦路强盗迪克·特宾的牢房及一个名为“从摇篮到坟墓”的新展馆，全方位展现了约克生活中的习俗和仪式。财务大厦是一处文雅宅邸，原是约克大教堂财务官的住宅，囊括了引人注目的中世纪大厅、重修时期的厨房等景点。

National Railway Museumis the world's largest where you can see Stephenson's Rocket and giant steam engines，Eurostar and computer interactives，hands-on displays and lavish exhibitions.York Dungeon you can take a step back into York's darker past and see the ghostly ranks of the Lost Roman Legion and witness the fate oflocal villains Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin.

约克有世界上最大的国家铁路博物馆，在这里你可以看到斯蒂芬森火箭、大型蒸汽机、欧洲之星和交互式电脑，还有手控显示屏和许多其他奢华展品。约克地牢则能带你回顾约克郡黑暗的过去，观看“消失的罗马军团”的鬼魂在空中飘荡，目睹当地恶棍盖伊·福克斯和迪克·特宾的下场。

Yorkshire Museum shows 1,000 years of Yorkshire heritage.There are collections from Roman，Anglo-Saxon，Scandinavians，and M edieval times，also exciting temporary exhibitions throughout the year.Fairfax House is one of the most distinguished Georgian town houses in the country.Famous for its set piece displays showing life in the eighteenth century.

约克郡博物馆展出了当地1 000多年的历史遗产。既有来自罗马人、盎格鲁-撒克逊人、斯堪的纳维亚人和中世纪时代的收藏品，也有当年轰动一时的展品。费尔法克斯大厦是英国最为著名的乔治国王时代的建筑，因其展示了约克人18世纪的生活片断而闻名于世。

Evenings in York can be spent by taking a walk from Clifford Tower，an opportunity to discover the hidden magic of the ancient City.A visit to the theatre may be more to your taste，the Theatre Royal or The Grand Opera House will be sure to have something to entertain you with their wide variety of entertainment，everything from Comedy to Classics.The Jack Lyons Concert Hall，the University of York and York Minster all feature regular concerts.

傍晚从克利福德塔漫步，你会有机会发现这座古城许多隐匿的魅力。或许参观大剧院更合你的口味，从喜剧到经典舞台剧，皇家剧院和大歌剧院的各种表演定会令你大饱眼福。杰克·里昂音乐厅、约克大学和约克大教堂都会定期上演音乐会。